Sheffield Council has set aside £2million for an Economic Recovery Fund.

The aim of the funding is to support all areas of the city, no matter how big or small, reopening their businesses and most importantly keeping them on their feet.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’ve launched the Recovery Fun to help encourage businesses to showcase what their high street has to offer and create a real buzz in their communities.

“We want people to feel proud and excited to support their local shops, pubs, and restaurants and most of all, safe in doing so.

“Businesses know their local communities and are the best place to come up with initiatives together that will bring back customers in a way that makes them feel comfortable to do so.

“I’m really looking forward to working with businesses and community groups to hear their ideas and to see the great initiatives that are put in place.”

The council to work closely with business and community leaders to produce creative and initiative ideas that will boost the local economy of various areas.

The council will look for ideas that support the local economy, keep businesses safely open, protect jobs and encourage customer spending.

Louisa Harrison-Walker, CEO of Benchmark, Director Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Fund’s Steering Group said: ” I am really excited at the way this fund allows communities of businesses, locals people, and the council to come together.

” Local businesses are well placed to spark the ideas that will benefit their areas and this fund provides a great incentive for collaboration.

“We know not all groups will have the means to manger everything entirely by themselves, so the council is offering support whether possible as the purpose to support innovative, fresh ideas to emerge.

The fund is split into two pots- one for smaller projects and one for larger projects.

The small projects of up to £50,000 will be considered on a rolling basis.

Large projects of up to £200,000 must submit an Expressions of Interest form by 30th April 2021.

All applications will be assessed by a Steering Group made up of Councillors and business leaders using set criteria.

For more information please visit https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/recoveryfund.